BB Collections

BIZZARRO BAZAR COLLECTION

The latin word mirabilia, from which the word marvellous derives, had a double meaning. On one hand, it referred to the medieval precursors of modern tourists guides: these were incunabula presenting the pilgrim or the traveller with all the beauties of the city he was about to visit.
On the other hand, in XVIII century wunderkammern, the term was used to describe all those extraordinary objects created by Nature (naturalia) or by man (artificialia).

The two purposes of the Bizzarro Bazar Collection are similar: to appraise and explore some “hidden” wonders of the Italian peninsula, while stimulating consideration of the italian anthropological and cultural heritage; and to convey, through Carlo Vannini’s amazing photographs, the sense of awe and enchantment one can feel by entering a wunderkammer.

MIRABILIA COLLECTION

Every city is a “chamber of wonders”.
Every city has a hidden face, and secrets that await to be discovered.
Are you ready to explore?

Unusual itineraries, weird shops that seem to come straight out of a fantastic tale, obscure and unsettling museums, eccentric collections: the Mirabilia Collection guides are the perfect travel companions for lovers of the uncommon and seekers of enchantment.
For those who are not satisfied with just the classic destinations, but are willing to venture into the deepest recesses of the city, to understand its rarest and most singular aspects.

But Mirabilia Collection is much more than a simple series of tourist guides: every book is intended as a little gem which will also appeal to the bibliophile.
Each volume, dedicated to a different city, is curated by Ivan Cenzi, an expert hunter of wonders. His writing brings us at the core of every location, to fathom its historical and conceptual implications.
The photos by Carlo Vannini, one of Italy’s greatest art photographers, embellish the pages giving back the feel and magic of these fascinating places.

DONATIONS

Bizzarro Bazar is, and will remain, ad-free.
In order to keep this blog alive, aside from the time invested in studying and writing, I face considerable maintenance expenses.
If you enjoy my work you can donate through PayPal: all the donations will be strictly used in connection to the blog’s activities, such as bibliographical research, website maintenance and management, etc.

BB ON ILLUSTRATI

Bizzarro Bazar has a column on Illustrati magazine, featuring original articles which do not appear on this blog.

BLOG OF WONDERS

Bizzarro Bazar is twinned with Mariano Tomatis' Blog of Wonders, a space devoted to Astonishment and Marvel.

ACCADEMIA DELL’INCANTO

In 2016 Bizzarro Bazar coordinated the Academy of Enchantment in Rome: events and meetings with scientists, scholars, historians and artists who devoted their lives to the most bizarre and mysterious corners of reality.